The morning sunlight slowly crept into the room, warm rays falling softly on my face. I opened my eyes slowly, feeling lighter—though the ache deep in my chest hadn't fully left.
I turned my head, and there he was—John—leaning against the headboard, eyes fixed on me.
"You're awake," he whispered, a small smile curling on his lips. "How do you feel?"
I blinked a few times before answering, "Better… but weak."
John nodded, running his hand gently through my hair. "Let me take you out… you need fresh air. You've been locked in too long."
Before I could protest, he'd already picked out a simple but elegant outfit. He helped me dress carefully, treating me like glass.
Outside, the air was cool and fresh, brushing against my skin. I took in a shaky breath, my eyes stinging. It felt… unfamiliar. The streets, the sky, even the smell of the air—all foreign after being trapped for so long.
John watched me quietly before speaking, "I promised… I'd show you the world again, didn't I?"
I nodded, swallowing hard. "It's… beautiful."
We walked slowly down the street, his hand never leaving mine. Some people stared, but I didn't care—not this time. I felt safe beside him.
After a while, he turned to me, "We should head to the company… I have a meeting. But today, you'll stay by my side. No more being alone."
I didn't argue.
The car ride was quiet but peaceful. When we reached his company, everyone bowed respectfully. "Welcome, Young Master… Madam."
The way they called me Madam made my chest tighten. I wasn't used to it, but a small part of me… liked it.
John held my hand tightly as we entered the building. His assistant smiled, relieved. "Sir, it's good to see you back… and Madam too."
John's lips curled into a rare, soft smile. "She's staying with me… cancel any unnecessary meetings. Only important ones today."
The employees exchanged glances, whispering among themselves. "Young Master seems different… warmer… it's because of her."
I sat beside him as the meeting started. Even during the discussions, his hand never left mine. Every now and then, he'd glance at me and smile.
For the first time… I felt like I belonged somewhere.
John leaned close and whispered, "See? You're doing great… and from now on, this is your place too."
I smiled weakly, tears forming in my eyes. "Thank you… John."
And right there… sitting beside him, I felt a strange hope—maybe… just maybe… things could change.
After the meeting, John took my hand and led me straight to his office—huge, luxurious, and silent. The large glass windows overlooked the whole city, and the sunlight made everything shine.
He opened the door for me like a true gentleman, his lips curving into that rare smile of his. "Come… you must be tired."
I walked in slowly, my eyes scanning every corner. The soft carpet, the polished furniture, the golden details—everything screamed wealth. For a moment, I felt out of place… but then John pulled me into his embrace, resting his chin gently on my head.
"You fit in… perfectly," he whispered. "This… is your place now."
He guided me to the couch and made me sit. "Wait here."
John walked to his desk, pressed a button, and soon his assistant entered with a tray—tea, pastries, and fruits carefully arranged. "Young Master, everything you asked for."
John nodded, waving him away. "No one enters till I say so."
The assistant bowed. "Yes, Young Master."
Once we were alone, John came back with the tray and placed it on the table before me. "Eat… you need strength."
I blinked, staring at the food. "John… you didn't have to—"
Before I could finish, he picked up a slice of cake and held it to my lips. "Hush… just eat, my princess."
My heart skipped. Princess… That one word stirred something in me. Slowly, I took a bite.
"Sweet?" he asked, his eyes locked on mine.
I nodded shyly. "Sweet…"
John chuckled softly, the sound warm and rare. He wiped the corner of my mouth with his thumb and smiled. "Good girl."
I looked away, my face heating up.
He sat beside me, pulling me into his arms again, resting my head on his chest. The sound of his heartbeat was steady… comforting.
"Do you know…" he whispered, "seeing you here, right beside me… it feels like I own the whole world."
I didn't reply, too overwhelmed.
"From now on," he continued, "this office… this company… this city… everything I have, belongs to you too. You're my princess."
I sniffled, trying not to cry again. "John… why are you so good to me?"
He chuckled, "Because… I've been waiting for you all this time. I've waited enough, don't you think?"
I nodded slowly, feeling the safest I had ever felt.
"Stay with me…" he whispered. "Just stay."
I closed my eyes, leaning into him as the city's golden sunlight wrapped around us… and for that moment, it really felt like I was the princess in my own modern-day fairytale.